• Offered by Research School of Physics and Engineering
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Course subject Physics
  • Areas of interest Physics, Science, Engineering

This course introduces students to the principles, concepts and applications of quantum technology. Building upon prior learning in quantum mechanics, students will first develop an understanding of the ‘qubit’ as the model quantum system used in quantum technologies. Students will then explore the archetypal physical realisations of qubits (eg superconducting circuits, photons, trapped atoms etc) before being introduced to each of the major types of quantum technology: computing/ simulation, communications and sensing/ microscopy. During this learning, an emphasis will be placed on critically comparing the different realisations of qubits and quantum technologies as well as quantum and classical technologies so that students readily appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Assessments will be designed to advance computational skills as well as written and verbal communication skills necessary for the quantum industry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements for this course students will have the knowledge and skills to:
  1. Model the initialisation, control, measurement and decoherence of qubits as abstracted quantum systems;
  2. Appraise archetypal physical realisations of qubits (superconducting circuits, trapped atoms, spin defects in solids, photons etc), methods of initialisation, control and measurement, and sources of decoherence; 
  3. Examine the key principles, concepts and applications of each major quantum technology type: computing/simulation, communications and sensing/ microscopy;
  4. Critically compare different realisations of quantum technologies as well as quantum and classical technologies;
  5. Develop advanced computational, written communication and verbal communication skills.

Indicative Assessment

Assessment will be based on:
  • Assignments 30% (LO 1, 2, 3, 5)
  • Presentation 20% (LO 4, 5)
  • Final exam 50% (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

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Workload

Three one-hour lectures/ workshops per week plus a one-hour weekly tutorial

Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must have previously completed either PHYS6013 or PHYS6101, or an equivalent approved by the course convenor.

Preliminary Reading

Most recent edition of: M.A. Neilsen and I.L. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Cambridge University Press.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.  Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2019 $3840
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2019 $5460
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

Second Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
8553 27 Jul 2020 03 Aug 2020 31 Aug 2020 30 Oct 2020 In Person View

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